The highly publicised controversy over mesh implants has deterred many women from seeking surgical help for their severe and persistent stress incontinence, says Melbourne urogynaecologist Dr Jerome Melon.

But women need to made aware there exists a range of effective surgical options that don’t involve mesh and they don’t have to put up their stress incontinence symptoms if all other non-surgical treatments have failed.

Speaking on a recent Healthed podcast, Dr Melon said up to 30% of women experienced some degree of stress incontinence – urinary leakage occurring when the intra-abdominal pressure is increased such as when coughing, sneezing or with exercise.
Risk factors for the condition include pregnancy and childbirth which are well-known, but it is also more likely to occur in women who are obese, have a chronic cough or frequently strain because of chronic constipation. It also becomes more common with age

In primary care, the initial assessment would include a detailed history but also an assessment of the strength of the pelvic floor as well as a determination if there exists a prolapse or cystocoele.